Just because it’s been a month since the New Year began, doesn’t mean your local gym should be less crowded and McDonald’s sales should increase. There are many new options to get into shape that have been quickly surfacing and gaining popularity. Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga is a type of yoga that has become more well-known over the past few months.
According to Karen Eisenbraun from LIVESTRONG.COM,
'Hot yoga refers to any type of yoga that you practice in a room heated above normal room temperature [typically ranging from 90-105 degrees]. The most well-known type of hot yoga is Bikram Yoga, a specific series of 24 postures and two breathing exercises created by Indian yoga champion Bikram Choudhury. You may see other yoga studios offering classes labeled simply as "hot yoga," which are often based on the Bikram method but may be shorter and use some variation of the postures.'
There are many yoga studios that practice these particular types of yoga. For instance, near Philadelphia, there are two yoga studios to check out! HOTBOX Yoga is located on Main Street in Manayunk and Bikram Yoga is located on Levering Street in Manayunk. Both studios offer an amazing work out and also at a great price. HOTBOX Yoga is currently running a special for new students, where it is only $20 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga classes!
Eisenbraun explains, ‘Bikram yoga is a 90-minute class consisting of 12 standing postures and a floor series that includes spine-strengthening poses. Each pose is executed twice. Hot yoga classes offered at other studios may use many of the same postures, but are typically less intensive and only an hour long.’
There are also many benefits involved in practicing yoga in a heated room. Bikram's Yoga College of India website states that heat helps creates a sweat that flushes toxins out of the body. The heat also warms your muscles, making them more flexible and less prone to injury. Eisenbraun states that, ‘the sequence was carefully designed to deliver fresh, oxygenated blood to every part of the body and restore all veins, ligaments, muscles and systems to optimum working order. The standing postures used in Bikram yoga and other hot yoga classes also help build focus and concentration.’
As a new student trying any hot yoga or bikram class, remember to stay hydrated before and after class. Taking small sips of water during class is also suggested. If anyone in the class experiences dizziness or nausea, take a break and sit down if necessary.
For more information on HOTBOX Yoga or Bikram Yoga, visit their websites!
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